A public hearing and final vote on whether Sebastian will approve annexation of 1,118-acres of Graves Brothers Co. land into the city is expected Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

The land is located on the south side of County Road 510.

Unfortunately, growth is going to happen whether we like it or not. The land will eventually be developed whether it stays in the county or gets annexed with Sebastian.

Paul Carlisle, the Sebastian city manager, is for the annexation because he believes the city should control its own destiny.

The city wants to gain additional revenue through the annexation. However, at the same time, they are asking the county to provide water and sewer services.

The land could allow 3,500 homes (some businesses) to be built. Most people are concerned about the environment and are against adding septic tanks that could eventually leak into the lagoon.

“Sewer and water services from the county are not likely to be expanded to this project in the near or even distant future. The county has made it clear that it does not have the capacity in water and sewer services for the project at this time,” the Clean Water Coalition (CWC) said in a statement.

“County water and sewer service to annexation areas outside the Urban Service Area is not a given and that consistency with County policy as well as available capacity would be among County considerations,” according to a letter by Stan Boling, the former County Community Development Director, to the City of Sebastian.

People living in Sebastian are worried about the environment, and this appears to be the general consensus. There are also residents concerned about a population boom.

We will find out Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. when the Sebastian City Council hears Graves Brothers’ proposal.

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